Rep. Kenyatté Hassell

Maddy summaryHB 432 authorizes Montgomery County's probate judge to charge an additional reasonable fee for performing wedding ceremonies, on top of existing fees. This bill directly affects couples marrying in Montgomery County who would pay this new fee during their ceremony. The fee must be "reasonable," will be kept by the probate judge or their designee, and does not change current fee structures under Alabama law. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on fee authorization, with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 433 requires the removal of residential addresses from all public campaign finance filings in Alabama. It directly affects candidates and officials who submit campaign finance reports by mandating that the Secretary of State redact these addresses before publishing filings on the public Alabama FCPA Reporting System database. The bill amends existing law to ensure home addresses are never visible in searchable online records of contributions or expenditures. This change applies to all electronic filings starting with the 2014 election cycle, as updated in the current text. The law will take effect on February 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Community Health Worker Certification Board in Alabama to oversee the training and certification of community health workers, who serve as liaisons between health services and community members. The legislation establishes a core competency framework for these workers and authorizes training programs through public K-12 schools, colleges, and other approved providers. It also creates a state fund to support the board and sets rules for when certification is required, including standards for using the certified title and disciplinary measures. Additionally, the bill requires the Alabama Medicaid Agency to seek federal approval to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services provided by certified community health workers.

Maddy summaryHB 450 prohibits individuals from possessing firearms without a valid form of identification in Class 1 municipalities and certain Class 3 municipalities (organized under Act 618 of 1973) within Alabama. It requires people carrying firearms to show ID to law enforcement upon request, with an exception if they can confirm their identity to an officer on the spot. Violations would be classified as Class C misdemeanors, though charges would be dismissed if the person presents valid ID in court, and related arrest records would be expunged. The law, if enacted, would take effect October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 98), not a policy bill. It formally honors the life and legacy of Frank Poole, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, who died on January 31, 2026, at age 80. The resolution expresses the Alabama House of Representatives' deep sadness at his passing and recognizes his roles as a devoted family man, longtime Montgomery City Hall mail carrier, and active church member. It serves as a tribute to his life and extends condolences to his family, including his wife of 59 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Maddy summaryAlabama's HB 279 adopts the Esthetics Licensure Compact, allowing licensed estheticians in Alabama to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill establishes a multistate licensing system that requires uniform standards for estheticians, creates a shared data system for license status and disciplinary information, and ensures public safety through consistent regulation. It directly affects licensed estheticians who wish to work across state lines, particularly benefiting military members and their spouses relocating between member states. The compact aims to reduce licensing barriers while maintaining safety standards and enabling easier workforce mobility for estheticians.

Maddy summaryHB 339 would provide a 4% cost-of-living increase to certain Alabama Teachers' Retirement System retirees and their beneficiaries, effective October 1, 2026. It directly affects retirees who retired before October 1, 2025, have 25+ years of service, and receive $25,000 or less annually in benefits, as well as surviving spouses of retirees meeting similar criteria. The increase is subject to legislative funding approval each year and would not apply to individuals whose Medicaid eligibility would be impaired by the higher benefit. This change requires separate annual appropriations to fund the increase, with payments resuming only if the required funding is included in the Education Trust Fund budget.

Maddy summaryHB 338 would provide a 4% cost-of-living increase (minimum $15 monthly) for state and local retirees and beneficiaries under Alabama's Employees' Retirement System who retired before October 1, 2025. This applies to retirees from most state/local employers, excluding those whose employers participated under specific sections (36-27-6, 7, or 7.1) unless those employers elect to participate. The increase is subject to legislative appropriation, and Medicaid recipients whose eligibility would be impaired by the increase are excluded. Funding would be distributed from employer contributions based on active member salaries.

Maddy summaryHB 68 would require Alabama's state law enforcement agency to create a voluntary designation system for driver licenses and nondriver ID cards. Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or certain communication disorders could choose to have a discreet symbol added to their license or ID card, without any additional fee. To qualify, applicants would need to provide proof of diagnosis from a licensed Alabama physician. The bill directly affects Alabamians with these conditions who opt to use this designation for identification purposes. The system would become effective October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 523 revises the procedures for parole hearings conducted by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. It requires the Board to establish a minimum speaking time for advocates, ensuring equal time for those supporting and opposing an inmate's parole. The bill specifies who can speak at these hearings, including authorized representatives for inmates and victims, law enforcement, and legal officials. Additionally, it allows Board members to provide the basis for their parole decision if requested by an attendee. The Board must adopt rules to implement these changes, which will become effective on October 1, 2025.